H20 Polo Seems Improvement with wins over Covina and Cerritos, growing program
By: David Seo
The numbers are deceiving. Despite finishing with a record of 3-12, the boys water polo team consider the season to be a success.
Without a home pool, the boys team were limited in practice time and had to use a pool off site to practice.
The team is only in its second year of existence, and the team stepped up the level of difficulty by adding stronger teams to this year’s schedule.
The Eagles were led by senior Jack Slattery. Slattery is a Rose Bowl Aquatics U-16 Junior Olympian.
Marshall Secondary had 15 games, including tournaments, this season.
After beginning the year with a loss to Rancho High school, 4-20, the Eagles earned a quality win againsl Cerritos High, 18-17.
Other highlights include a sweep of Covina High School. Senior Night did not go as planned as the boys lost to cross-town rivals, Muir.
According to Slattery, it was still very exciting to play for Marshall while not playing for his club team.
It was Flattery’s wish since entering Marshall that the school field a boys water polo squad. He got his wish two years ago. He hopes that the team will continue to grow after his departure this year.
“It was a very wonderful year because we got to have fun together with the seniors and new freshmen. I got to score goals for the first and last time in high school. Even though I am leaving, I will be cheering for the Marshall water polo team’s future. It was just fun competing with my friends,” Slattery said.
The players put in the work all season as they wake up at 5 a.m. to go to practice at the Boys and Girls Club in Pasadena.
Notable players on the team include seniors James Salinas, Jackson Brooks, Adrien Eades, Kendall Jones, and Finn Slattery.
Salinas, the goal keeper, suffered injuries during the season.
“I still respect him for trying his best for blocking the goals,” Finn Slattery said.
The few home games this season were held at Pasadena High School. This year’s squad was led by head coach Arthur Sefayan.
The Eagles played some powerhouse programs such as Glendale, Rancho Cucamonga, Millikan, and Lakewood. The squad scored a close loss, 5-0, to Claremont High School.